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2013-10-02CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee October 2, 2013 Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice - Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, and Bill Squibb James Matz Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner Jane Dooley Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Principal Items of Business Welcome & Introduction of Newest OSRC Member — Sandra Stacey, Ward 5 Representative Mann asks if the Committee's newest member Sandra Stacey could introduce herself. Stacey notes she is a 15 -year Beverly resident she is a database research editor at EBSCO publishing, her background is in journalism, she has two children and enjoys the outdoors. She notes that she is often on the various trails in Beverly's open spaces with her dogs in tow and is excited to join the Committee and participate in its mission. Potential Open Space Acquisition Projects Parcel at Moraine Farm — Discussion with Maggie Korey and Wes Ward — Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) Maggie Korey new staff with TTOR and Wes Ward the Director of Land Conservation with TTOR are both present. Korey describes how Moraine Farm is the home to a TTOR CSA farm, Project Adventure as well as Waldorf School. She refers to a plan that shows a patchwork of properties within the Farm, all of which have different ownership and protection status. Korey explains that TTOR has recently been presented with the opportunity to purchase Lot 1, which is a long, skinny parcel adjacent to the Phillips Preserve and is currently owned by Project Adventure and will shortly be owned by TTOR. Korey notes that a Conservation Restriction held by Essex County Greenbelt and TTOR encumbers the parcel. Korey describes how there is a building envelope that allows construction of a residential house. She states that TTOR hopes to permanently preserve the property and retire the development rights. She describes the potential Open Space & Recreation Committee October 2, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 for a trail from Cabot Street up Lot 1 to the TTOR "point parcel ". If TTOR is not in a position financially to permanently preserve the parcel completely, they would put some additional restrictions on the parcel and resell it. She explains TTOR is also speaking with one of the landowners about acquiring the large open space parcel that is about 50 acres and two small parcels on Conant Street. Korey notes that the large parcel, Lot 2A, is encumbered by a Conservation Restriction. The two smaller lots, Lot's 9 and 10 are buildable. Korey explains how final details in the purchase and sale agreement for Lot 1 are nearing completion between TTOR and Project Adventure. This should be completed on November 15. Ward describes how TTOR has the funds to purchase the property but it needs to recover some of these costs. Ward notes that the value of the development rights is usually 80% of the value of the marketable lot and selling these development rights would be the preferred way to recoup some costs. McCrory suggests this is a good opportunity and OSRC could consider applying for CPA funds to assist TTOR with retiring the development rights for Lot 1. Ward explains that an appraisal needs to be done to identify the cost of retiring the building envelope. Gardner explains that the Committee is planning to go into executive session to discuss possibility of other land acquisition projects and could also discuss its support and approach for this project. Discussion ensues about how such a CPA project would be done in partnership with the OSRC, TTOR and holder of the development rights (i.e., a third party such as the Conservation Commission), noting that if TTOR acquires the property it would have to recuse itself from holding the CR on the land. Discussion addresses how historic aspects would not be considered with this piece of property as part of Olmsted historic property. However, CPA funds could be used for historic preservation of the Olmsted landscape on Lot 2a. Ward mentions that TTOR's limited capital fundraising staff is working on keeping current operations functioning. He adds that TTOR could do fundraising for this project especially in the Moraine Farm neighborhood. The Committee discusses any possibility of Audubon being an interested fundraising entity along with TTOR although that organization does not have any abutting property. The Committee members thank Ward and Korey and everyone agrees to keep in touch regarding this project. Acceptance of Previous Minutes — September 4, 2013 Members provide Maxner with amendments to the September 4, 2013 minutes. Gardner moves the minutes be accepted as amended. Seconded by Coffey. The motion carries 8 -0. Camp Paradise Property — Update Open Space & Recreation Committee October 2, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Discussion ensues about upcoming meeting regarding the Camp Paradise property. Mann notes that OSRC was divided on whether or not City should pursue purchase of this property and some consider $1.5 million expensive for 12 acres that are relatively isolated. McCrory states in general she believes these larger opportunities should be considered but more information is needed about the subject property. Members note the need to consider other properties that could become available such as the Sweeney property and acknowledge that there would be competition with developers. Maxner states the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow and will provide an update. Norwood Pond Trail Easement Options — Dunham Road Access Gardner reports on his meeting with the Mayor regarding a trail through Cummings property on Dunham Road and along the pond. He notes that the Mayor concurred and agreed to approach Cummings at some point in the near future. Discussion ensues about if the future mayoral candidates would support placing a Conservation Restriction on the Norwood Pond open space. Signne — Review Templates for ROW's/Roadways & Open Space Lands Mann notes signage templates that he has identified from the Internet and suggests local businesses might help fund creation of signs. He notes this should be homework for members and more fully discussed at the next meeting. Other Business Community Preservation Committee — Update on CPC Activities McCrory explains how the CPC is working on drafting criteria to evaluate projects. Maxner states that once the criteria are finalized it would be presented by the CPC to the various boards and commissions. Maxner distributes draft criteria for members to review noting that additional revisions may be made by the CPC; this will be an agenda item for the OSRC November meeting. McCrory adds that CPC can use up to 5% of CPA funds for administrative budget (i.e., appraisal on a property, due diligence, and minutes taking staff, informational materials). She clarifies that 10% of the funds must be reserved for each of the three main categories, with the remaining 70% of the funds going to the budgeted reserve, which can be spent on any of the three categories in addition to recreation projects. The next meeting of the CPC is October 3, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Norwood Pond — Identify Alternative Trail Access Options, Plan Work Day Maxner explains that an ANR has been submitted to combine the two vacant lots at the end of Elnew Avenue and wetlands have been delineated. The Committee reviews trail access options, the most logical being at the end of the Elnew right of way, and notes the need for a workday. Expanding Publicity of OSRC Activities — Discussion Open Space & Recreation Committee October 2, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 Coffey reports that Endicott College does not have any students that could help with video as part of expanding publicity. But she was told that seniors could do it if she contacts the College at the beginning of the summer next year. She also mentions that Montserrat College of Art does not have a film class. Other Business Brought Forward by Committee Members Mann describes letters he wrote, one about the paving of the right of way on Leech Street and the other regarding the fencing along the walkway at the National Grid River Street facility. Maxner reports that she spoke to City Solicitor Roy Gelineau about Leech Street who said he wanted confirmation that it is a public way owned by the City. She states that she spoke to Engineering Department, who said that is a paper street, and it is a public way and that the City can pave at its discretion. She will notify Gelineau who will pass this on to the Assistant City Solicitor. She states regarding the 44 -46 River Street National Grid fencing issue, the Conservation Commission suggested that she contact the City Solicitor and get guidance from him. She will report back on what transpires. Questions for candidates in preparation for forums Discussion ensues about upcoming mayoral and city council candidate forums. McCrory provides dates for upcoming debates. Adjournment Gardner moves to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Seconded by Squibb. The motion carries 8 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at City Hall, 3 rd Floor Committee Room at 7:00 p.m.